Getting Fat Off Hunger Games: AMZN, LFG, IMAX, HAS, MAT, SCHL

By Teresa Rivas

With all the hype surrounding the release of The Hunger Games, many may be wondering where all that money will be going.

Kapitall’s Rebecca Lipman thinks she has the answer, and has created a Hunger Games Index of companies that she sees benefitting from the film: Not only will moviegoers likely pick up copies of the books after they leave the theater, but merchandise from toys to Halloween costumes will hit the shelves. And as a trilogy, the franchise seems poised for a multiyear run.

Here is a list of companies that Lipman thinks should get a Hunger Games boost, from booksellers to movie companies and theaters–as well as toy companies that could harness past success with character tie-ins to capitalize on the franchise:

1. Scholastic Corporation (SCHL): Operates as a children’s publishing, education, and media company primarily in the United States. Scholastic has the exclusive United States publishing rights to The Hunger Games book series. Sales of series are historically higher with the release of movies.

2. Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN): Operates as an online retailer in North America and internationally. Similar to Scholastic, the company may report an increase in revenue based on site traffic for the book, as well as book sales.

3. Hasbro Inc. (HAS): Engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of games and toys. Hasbro had been awarded the rights to Harry potter trading card games, role-playing games, trading cards, candy and youth electronics. This includes Clue – The Harry Potter addition. Will it also take on The Hunger Games?

4. Mattel Inc. (MAT): Engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of various toy products worldwide. The doll company is creating barbie dolls inspired by Hunger Game characters. Mattel also produced the Harry Potter Scene It, plush toys and action figures – why not do the same with The Hunger Games?

5. Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (LGF): Engages in the motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, family entertainment, new channel platforms, and digital distribution activities. Lions Gate is the film studio releasing the Hunger Games films. Pre-screenings of film were given positive, if not glowing, reviews.

6. IMAX Corporation (IMAX): Operates as an entertainment technology company worldwide. Many diehard fans will be eager to see the film many times, including on an IMAX screen

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